3 projects save city $1 million

City of Des Moines officials said three projects have helped save the city $1 million.

The energy efficiency and sustainable upgrades have been made over the past five years.

The projects include LED traffic lights, replacing lamp fixtures in city buildings and the addition of 33 hybrid vehicles.

"Although more needs to be done, this is a tremendous savings at a time when local government needs it most. These results help build the case for making sustainable improvements in our building envelopes and infrastructure,” said Mayor Frank Cownie in a news release issued Thursday.

The city said it has saved 17.9 million KWH (kilowatt hour), 51,723 gallons of fossil fuel, and 5,547 tons of carbon dioxide from being consumed in this process.

Many of the improvements have been possible through a series of federal and state grant opportunities.

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